The Impact of Records Management Practices on Monitoring and Evaluation of Rural Development Projects in Zimbabwe: case study Mberengwa Rural District Council.

This study investigates the impact of records management practices on the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of rural development projects in Zimbabwe.Effective records management is a critical foundation for transparent and evidence-based decision-making in project implementation, particularly in rural development contexts where data integrity and accessibility are essential for evaluating outcomes.The main objectives of this research were to:( i).examine the extent to which records management systems influence the effectiveness of M&E processes.(ii).assess the challenges faced in managing project records within rural development institutions and (iii).identify strategies to enhance records management for improved project performance and accountability.The study is guided by the Records Continuum Theory, which emphasizes the continuous and integrated management of records from creation to disposition, ensuring consistent accessibility and reliability for organizational accountability and learning.The theory provides a conceptual basis for understanding how wellstructured records systems contribute to effective monitoring and evaluation cycles.A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches.Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with project officers, records managers, and M&E personnel from selected rural development projects across Zimbabwe's provinces.Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to capture deeper insights into records management practices.The results revealed a strong positive relationship between effective records management and successful M&E outcomes.Projects with organized, digitized, and consistently updated records demonstrated higher efficiency in performance tracking and reporting.Conversely, inadequate storage, poor classification, and lack of trained personnel led to data loss, delayed evaluations, and weak accountability mechanisms.Additionally, resource constraints and limited awareness of records management policies were found to hinder effective M&E.The study concludes that strong records management practices are integral to the success of rural development project monitoring and evaluation in Zimbabwe.Proper documentation ensures project transparency, facilitates learning, and enhances long-term sustainability.The study recommended the establishment of standardized records management policies aligned with national information management frameworks, train project staff in records management and M&E best practices, invest in digital infrastructure to promote accessibility and data security, encourage collaboration between records offices and M&E units for integrated data systems.